The prevalence of HBV, HCV infections and abnormal liver function in patients on long term haart at Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Background Hepatitis Band C viral infections are highly prevalent among HIV-infected persons as a result of shared transmission routes. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a reduction in HIV related opportunistic infections and death rates, however chronic viral hepatitis has become a major source of morbidity and mortality ill HIVinfected populations. This is in part related to the effects of HIV on natural history of HBV/HCV with an increase in liver related complications and death rates, HAART associated hepatotoxicity and HBV IHCV immune reconstitution syndrome. Objective The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCY infections and abnormal liver function in patients on long term HAART at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). Study design and setting The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey at the KNH CCC, Nairobi Kenya. Methods Patients aged 18 years and above who had been on HAART for at least one year were recruited. A history was obtained, physical examination done, and blood taken for Hb~Ag, HCY antibody and liver function tests. Res.ults 57 (60%) females and 38 (40%) males aged 22 years to 59 years with a median age of 38 years were studied. The prevalence of HBY and HCV were 4.2% and 3.2% respectively. No patient had dual infection with HBV and Hey. No patient reported history ofIVDU or homosexuality. The prevalence of abnormal liver function was 4.2% (95 % C1 3.2-5.2) in the entire group; however in the subgroups with HBY and HCV infections it increased to 28.6% (95% C1 4.9-61.6). Conclusions The prevalence ofHBV in patients on long term HAART was similar to that reported in the general population. The prevalence of HCY was higher than that reported in blood donors. Majority of patients on long term HAART (95.8%) had normal liver function.